Andy Dalton ruled out vs. the Eagles; Cowboys to start rookie QB Ben DiNucci on Sunday night in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Eagles will enter Sunday Night Football with the chance to log another division victory and it’ll be against a hated opponent starting a rookie quarterback. Veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report and that means Ben DiNucci will make his first start.
Andy Dalton all but ruled out by owner Jerry Jones. He said Dalton “should be ready to go next week,” on 105.3 The Fan. https://t.co/x3d4D0gcYW
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 30, 2020
update:
***
Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Cowboys have officially downgraded Dalton to out, so DiNucci will indeed get the start.
The #Cowboys have officially downgraded Andy Dalton (concussion) to out and we won't travel to Philadelphia.
It's Ben DiNucci time against the #Eagles.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 31, 2020
Dalton was unable to practice this week as he remained in concussion protocol while DiNucci took first-team snaps as he prepared to suit up as the Cowboys’ starter on Sunday Night Football against Philadelphia.
DiNucci is known for his swagger and called the matchup the “opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I think in the span of 10 days I went from being in a sweatshirt and sweat pants to here we are, my number could be called,” DiNucci said Thursday afternoon. “This is everyone’s childhood dream, right? The chance to be the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. What more could you want?
“For me, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
DiNucci won’t be a cakewalk for the Eagles defense and the rookie presents something that’s been an Achilles heel for the Birds. DiNucci is accurate and extremely mobile. During his two seasons at James Madison University after transferring from Pittsburgh, DiNucci completed a Football Championship Subdivision-best 70.9% of his passes for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns with six interceptions according to Jorie Epstein of USA Today. At James Madison, DiNucci was most effective rushed for 1,002 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry during his two seasons after transferring.
The Eagles are among the best in the league at sacking the opposing quarterback, but they’ve been susceptible to agile signal-callers who aren’t afraid to take off.
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